chicago coyote research: a resource for coyote …...chicago coyote research: a resource for coyote...

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Chicago Coyote Research: A Resource for Coyote Questions and Answers The Cook County Coyote Project is a comprehensive biological study of coyotes within the suburban matrix of Chicagoland. The study, also referred to as the Urban Coyote Research Program, was initiated in 2000 as non-biased attempt to address shortcomings in urban coyote ecology information and management. With the help of key agencies, a subset of wild coyotes has been radio-collared to monitor how they live in urban areas and how they interact with other wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. This information helps us better understand tendencies of the general coyote population. In late 2013, the Urban Coyote Research Program expanded study areas to include Chicago neighborhoods all across the city. The program has tagged over 964 coyotes and radio-collared over 440 coyotes to date within Chicago metropolitan areas. With 15 years of data collection to support research findings, this is the largest study of urban coyotes in the world. Over 100,000 locations have been documented for radio-collared coyotes, allowing a sneak peek into their hidden lives. GPS radio-collar locations for coyote 748 in the Bronzeville/Near Southside neighborhoods

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Page 1: Chicago Coyote Research: A Resource for Coyote …...Chicago Coyote Research: A Resource for Coyote Questions and Answers The Cook County Coyote Project is a comprehensive biological

Chicago Coyote Research: A Resource for Coyote Questions and Answers

The Cook County Coyote Project is a comprehensive biological study of coyotes within the suburban matrix of Chicagoland. The study, also referred to as the Urban Coyote Research Program, was initiated in 2000 as non-biased attempt to address shortcomings in urban coyote ecology information and management. With the help of key agencies, a subset of wild coyotes has been radio-collared to monitor how they live in urban areas and how they interact with other wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. This information helps us better understand tendencies of the general coyote population.

In late 2013, the Urban Coyote Research Program expanded study areas to include Chicago neighborhoods all across the city. The program has tagged over 964 coyotes and radio-collared over 440 coyotes to date within Chicago metropolitan areas. With 15 years of data collection to support research findings, this is the largest study of urban coyotes in the world. Over 100,000 locations have been documented for radio-collared coyotes, allowing a sneak peek into their hidden lives.

GPS radio-collar locations for coyote 748 in the Bronzeville/Near Southside neighborhoods

Page 2: Chicago Coyote Research: A Resource for Coyote …...Chicago Coyote Research: A Resource for Coyote Questions and Answers The Cook County Coyote Project is a comprehensive biological

GPS radio-collar locations for coyote 750 in the Bridgeport/McKinley Park neighborhoods

Results from this unique project answer common questions regarding coyotes in urban areas, with many aspects of coyote ecology having direct management implications. New research has included stable isotope analysis of urban coyote diets through the collection of coyote whiskers, collaborating with the University of New Mexico. Since 2013, the program also has been working with National Geographic’s Crittercam Project to deploy cameras on urban coyotes obtaining never-before-seen footage of the coyote’s point of view and giving further insight on coyote behaviors. Although this study is focused in Cook County, Illinois, the knowledge gained about these animals living in close proximity to people is indicative of many metropolitan areas. The results of this project have been featured on NBC, PBS, ABC, the National Geographic Channel, as well as numerous publications across the county.

To provide useful public resources, a website was created offering details on the study, information about urban coyotes, and how to avoid conflicts with this species. People need to become aware of coyote ecology to understand the difference between true threats and coexistence. It is important to stress that our relationship with coyotes is directly affected by our behavior. Please visit urbancoyoteresearch.com to learn more about why coyotes should be respected, not feared, and how they fit into our urban landscape.

This project is supported through the efforts of The Cook County Department of Animal & Rabies Control, The Forest Preserve District of Cook County, The Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, and The Ohio State University.